Discovery of the first leaf litter inhabiting flea beetles in Brazil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) with description of two new genera and three new species.

Two new genera of flea beetles are described and illustrated: Brasilplatus Oliveira, Linzmeier Konstantinov new genus, monotypic, type species B. bahianus Oliveira, Linzmeier Konstantinov new species, and Tupiniquim Linzmeier, Oliveira Konstantinov new genus, containing two species, T. pronotalis Linzmeier, Oliveira Konstantinov new species and T. confusa Linzmeier, Oliveira Konstantinov new species and type species of the genus. These are the first described genera of flea beetles inhabiting leaf litter in Brazil. Brasilplatus belongs to the subtribe Monoplatina and is compared to other Monoplatina genera known to occur in leaf litter or moss cushions: Andersonaltica Linzmeier Konstantinov, 2012, Apleuraltica Bechyn, 1956 and Ulrica Scherer, 1962. Tupiniquim is unique among New World flea beetles, it allies cannot be immediately identified. Here it is compared to several New World and Old World genera.

High turnover of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) species in semideciduous forest remnants in an agricultural landscape.

Differences in species composition between sites (ß diversity) may be the result of spatial species replacement (turnover) or nestedness (subgroups of species from a more diverse site). In fragmented landscapes, the environmental factors that lead to these differences may be spatially structured. Herein, our objective is to determine if the ß diversity of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) is due to turnover or nestedness and whether the observed pattern is due to loss of forest cover or spatial processes in forest remnants immersed in a matrix dominated by intense agricultural practice. We used an incidence matrix of 99 species sampled from 16 forest remnants and found that the difference in species composition among the fragments is mostly determined by turnover and that this variation is not explained by forest cover or spatial variables. In regions where high habitat loss has generated landscapes containing small and islated forest fragments, structural features, related both to habitat (area, isolation, shape, etc.) and landscape (land use, landscape heterogeneity, etc.) could predict diversity patterns.

Moss inhabiting flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) of the West Indies II: Menudos, a new genus from Puerto Rico and description of methods to collect moss inhabiting flea beetles.

Menudos Linzmeier Konstantinov, a new genus of moss inhabiting flea beetles, containing five species, three of them are new (M. illariosus, M. maricao, and M. toronegro-the type species of the genus), from Puerto Rico is described and illustrated. The new genus is compared to Aedmon Clark, Apleuraltica Bechyne, Andersonaltica Linzmeier Konstantinov, Distigmoptera Blake and Ulrica Scherer. Aedmon barberi (Blake, 1943b) and Distigmoptera chamorrae Konstantinov Konstantinova, 2011 are transferred to Menudos. A key to Menudos species identification is provided. Methods for collecting moss inhabiting flea beetles and other arthropods are described in detail for the first time.

Moss inhabiting flea beetles of the West Indies III: Erinaceialtica, a new genus from Hispaniola (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini).

Erinaceialtica Konstantinov & Linzmeier, a new genus of moss inhabiting flea beetles, containing seven species from the Dominican Republic and Haiti is described and illustrated. Five species are new (E. gabbysalazarae, E. janestanleyae, E. rickstanleyi (the type species), E. rileyi, and E. thomasi) and two species are transferred from Aedmon: A. albicincta (Blake) and A. hugonis (Blake) comb. nov. The new genus is compared to Aedmon Clark, Apleuraltica Bechyne, Andersonaltica Linzmeier & Konstantinov, Distigmoptera Blake, and Ulrica Scherer. Keys to Erinaceialtica and related genera and to Erinaceialtica species are provided.

Richness of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) depends on the area and habitat structure in semideciduous forest remnants

The total area of a habitat patch can increase the local species richness both directly (through balance between immigration and extinction) and indirectly (by increasing the habitat heterogeneity and/or as an effect of sample effort). More heterogeneous environments present a wider variety of resources and conditions, allowing species to coexist through niche differentiation. This study shows that the diversity of Chrysomelidae depends on the area and habitat structure of semideciduous forest remnants. We sampled 16 remnants with Malaise traps in August 2012 to March 2013. In order to characterize the habitat, the area, structural heterogeneity of the understory, coverage and canopy height were measured. These variables were used in a path analysis to determine their direct and indirect effects on leaf beetle diversity. A total of 450 specimens from 99 species and five subfamilies were captured. The total area and the understory heterogeneity presented a positive effect on species richness, while canopy cover exerted a negative one. The canopy height only had a negative and indirect effect on leaf beetle richness. In such fragments with more area and more open spaces, plant abundance and richness tend to be higher and favor the coexistence of many Chrysomelidae species.(AU)

A área de uma mancha de habitat pode aumentar a riqueza local de espécies tanto diretamente (pelo balanço entre imigração e extinção) quanto indiretamente (por aumentar a heterogeneidade do habitat e/ou como efeito do esforço amostral). Ambientes mais heterogêneos apresentam maior variedade de recursos e condições permitindo a coexistência de espécies por diferenciação de nicho. Neste estudo mostramos que a riqueza de Chrysomelidae depende da área e da estrutura do habitat em remanescentes de floresta semidecidual. Realizamos amostragens com armadilhas Malaise em 16 remanescentes florestais entre agosto de 2012 e março de 2013. Para caracterizar o habitat, medimos a área, a heterogeneidade estrutural do sub-bosque, a cobertura e a altura do dossel. Estas variáveis foram utilizadas em uma análise de caminhos para determinar seus efeitos diretos e indiretos na riqueza de crisomelídeos. Capturamos 450 espécimes de 99 espécies e cinco subfamílias. A área total e a heterogeneidade do sub-bosque apresentaram um efeito positivo sobre a riqueza de espécies, enquanto a cobertura do dossel exerceu efeito direto negativo. A altura do dossel apresentou apenas efeito indireto e negativo sobre a riqueza de crisomelídeos. Em fragmentos com maior área e mais espaços abertos, provavelmente a abundância e a riqueza de plantas tendem a serem maiores, favorecendo a coexistência de muitas espécies de Chrysomelidae.(AU)

Assembleia de Alticini (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) em fragmentos florestais no sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil

Alticini is the largest tribe of Chrysomelidae and represents a large amount of the phytophagous insects fauna. However, the knowledge of this tribe in the southwest of Paraná is inexistent and, in this study, we aimed to seek information about the richness, abundance, diversity and composition of the assemblages in this region. The study was carried out weekly from October/2016 to March/2017 in forest fragments in the municipalities of Planalto, Realeza and Santa Izabel do Oeste, where Malaise traps were used. A total of 1,657 individuals of Alticini were collected, distributed in 20 genera and 59 species, with the majority of them showing few individuals. The most abundant species were Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata and Epitrix sp. 1, corresponding to 85.8% of all Alticini sampled. Margaridisa sp. was the dominant species in the fragments of Santa Izabel do Oeste and Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 was collected only in the Planalto fragment. Regarding to the species composition, the similarity was low, and only four species were shared among all fragments. This was the first survey developed in southwest Paraná, which contributed to knowledge of Alticini species in this region.(AU)

Alticini é a maior tribo de Chrysomelidae e representa grande parte da fauna de insetos fitófagos. Entretanto, o conhecimento dessa tribo no sudoeste do Paraná é inexistente e neste estudo o objetivo foi buscar informações sobre a riqueza, abundância, diversidade e composição das assembleias nesta região. O estudo foi realizado semanalmente, com armadilha Malaise, de outubro/2016 a março/2017 em fragmentos de mata nos municípios de Planalto, Realeza e Santa Izabel do Oeste. Foram coletados 1.657 indivíduos de Alticini pertencentes a 20 gêneros e 59 espécies sendo que a maioria delas apresentou poucos indivíduos. As espécies mais abundantes foram Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata e Epitrix sp. 1, correspondendo a 85,8% de todos os Alticini coletados. Margaridisa sp. foi a espécie dominante nos fragmentos de Santa Izabel do Oeste e Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 foi coletada somente no fragmento de Planalto. Quanto à composição de espécies, a similaridade foi baixa e apenas quatro espécies foram compartilhadas entre todos os fragmentos. Este foi o primeiro inventário desenvolvido no sudoeste do Paraná que contribui para o conhecimento das espécies de Alticini dessa região.(AU)

Assembleia de Alticini (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) em fragmentos florestais no sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil

Alticini is the largest tribe of Chrysomelidae and represents a large amount of the phytophagous insects fauna. However, the knowledge of this tribe in the southwest of Paraná is inexistent and, in this study, we aimed to seek information about the richness, abundance, diversity and composition of the assemblages in this region. The study was carried out weekly from October/2016 to March/2017 in forest fragments in the municipalities of Planalto, Realeza and Santa Izabel do Oeste, where Malaise traps were used. A total of 1,657 individuals of Alticini were collected, distributed in 20 genera and 59 species, with the majority of them showing few individuals. The most abundant species were Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata and Epitrix sp. 1, corresponding to 85.8% of all Alticini sampled. Margaridisa sp. was the dominant species in the fragments of Santa Izabel do Oeste and Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 was collected only in the Planalto fragment. Regarding to the species composition, the similarity was low, and only four species were shared among all fragments. This was the first survey developed in southwest Paraná, which contributed to knowledge of Alticini species in this region.

Alticini é a maior tribo de Chrysomelidae e representa grande parte da fauna de insetos fitófagos. Entretanto, o conhecimento dessa tribo no sudoeste do Paraná é inexistente e neste estudo o objetivo foi buscar informações sobre a riqueza, abundância, diversidade e composição das assembleias nesta região. O estudo foi realizado semanalmente, com armadilha Malaise, de outubro/2016 a março/2017 em fragmentos de mata nos municípios de Planalto, Realeza e Santa Izabel do Oeste. Foram coletados 1.657 indivíduos de Alticini pertencentes a 20 gêneros e 59 espécies sendo que a maioria delas apresentou poucos indivíduos. As espécies mais abundantes foram Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata e Epitrix sp. 1, correspondendo a 85,8% de todos os Alticini coletados. Margaridisa sp. foi a espécie dominante nos fragmentos de Santa Izabel do Oeste e Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 foi coletada somente no fragmento de Planalto. Quanto à composição de espécies, a similaridade foi baixa e apenas quatro espécies foram compartilhadas entre todos os fragmentos. Este foi o primeiro inventário desenvolvido no sudoeste do Paraná que contribui para o conhecimento das espécies de Alticini dessa região.

Richness of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) depends on the area and habitat structure in semideciduous forest remnants

The total area of a habitat patch can increase the local species richness both directly (through balance between immigration and extinction) and indirectly (by increasing the habitat heterogeneity and/or as an effect of sample effort). More heterogeneous environments present a wider variety of resources and conditions, allowing species to coexist through niche differentiation. This study shows that the diversity of Chrysomelidae depends on the area and habitat structure of semideciduous forest remnants. We sampled 16 remnants with Malaise traps in August 2012 to March 2013. In order to characterize the habitat, the area, structural heterogeneity of the understory, coverage and canopy height were measured. These variables were used in a path analysis to determine their direct and indirect effects on leaf beetle diversity. A total of 450 specimens from 99 species and five subfamilies were captured. The total area and the understory heterogeneity presented a positive effect on species richness, while canopy cover exerted a negative one. The canopy height only had a negative and indirect effect on leaf beetle richness. In such fragments with more area and more open spaces, plant abundance and richness tend to be higher and favor the coexistence of many Chrysomelidae species.

A área de uma mancha de habitat pode aumentar a riqueza local de espécies tanto diretamente (pelo balanço entre imigração e extinção) quanto indiretamente (por aumentar a heterogeneidade do habitat e/ou como efeito do esforço amostral). Ambientes mais heterogêneos apresentam maior variedade de recursos e condições permitindo a coexistência de espécies por diferenciação de nicho. Neste estudo mostramos que a riqueza de Chrysomelidae depende da área e da estrutura do habitat em remanescentes de floresta semidecidual. Realizamos amostragens com armadilhas Malaise em 16 remanescentes florestais entre agosto de 2012 e março de 2013. Para caracterizar o habitat, medimos a área, a heterogeneidade estrutural do sub-bosque, a cobertura e a altura do dossel. Estas variáveis foram utilizadas em uma análise de caminhos para determinar seus efeitos diretos e indiretos na riqueza de crisomelídeos. Capturamos 450 espécimes de 99 espécies e cinco subfamílias. A área total e a heterogeneidade do sub-bosque apresentaram um efeito positivo sobre a riqueza de espécies, enquanto a cobertura do dossel exerceu efeito direto negativo. A altura do dossel apresentou apenas efeito indireto e negativo sobre a riqueza de crisomelídeos. Em fragmentos com maior área e mais espaços abertos, provavelmente a abundância e a riqueza de plantas tendem a serem maiores, favorecendo a coexistência de muitas espécies de Chrysomelidae.

Assembleia de Alticini (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) em fragmentos florestais no sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil

ABSTRACT Alticini is the largest tribe of Chrysomelidae and represents a large amount of the phytophagous insects fauna. However, the knowledge of this tribe in the southwest of Paraná is inexistent and, in this study, we aimed to seek information about the richness, abundance, diversity and composition of the assemblages in this region. The study was carried out weekly from October/2016 to March/2017 in forest fragments in the municipalities of Planalto, Realeza and Santa Izabel do Oeste, where Malaise traps were used. A total of 1,657 individuals of Alticini were collected, distributed in 20 genera and 59 species, with the majority of them showing few individuals. The most abundant species were Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata and Epitrix sp. 1, corresponding to 85.8% of all Alticini sampled. Margaridisa sp. was the dominant species in the fragments of Santa Izabel do Oeste and Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 was collected only in the Planalto fragment. Regarding to the species composition, the similarity was low, and only four species were shared among all fragments. This was the first survey developed in southwest Paraná, which contributed to knowledge of Alticini species in this region.

RESUMO Alticini é a maior tribo de Chrysomelidae e representa grande parte da fauna de insetos fitófagos. Entretanto, o conhecimento dessa tribo no sudoeste do Paraná é inexistente e neste estudo o objetivo foi buscar informações sobre a riqueza, abundância, diversidade e composição das assembleias nesta região. O estudo foi realizado semanalmente, com armadilha Malaise, de outubro/2016 a março/2017 em fragmentos de mata nos municípios de Planalto, Realeza e Santa Izabel do Oeste. Foram coletados 1.657 indivíduos de Alticini pertencentes a 20 gêneros e 59 espécies sendo que a maioria delas apresentou poucos indivíduos. As espécies mais abundantes foram Trichaltica sp. 2, Margaridisa sp., Omophoita octoguttata e Epitrix sp. 1, correspondendo a 85,8% de todos os Alticini coletados. Margaridisa sp. foi a espécie dominante nos fragmentos de Santa Izabel do Oeste e Realeza. Trichaltica sp. 2 foi coletada somente no fragmento de Planalto. Quanto à composição de espécies, a similaridade foi baixa e apenas quatro espécies foram compartilhadas entre todos os fragmentos. Este foi o primeiro inventário desenvolvido no sudoeste do Paraná que contribui para o conhecimento das espécies de Alticini dessa região.

Richness of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) depends on the area and habitat structure in semideciduous forest remnants

ABSTRACT The total area of a habitat patch can increase the local species richness both directly (through balance between immigration and extinction) and indirectly (by increasing the habitat heterogeneity and/or as an effect of sample effort). More heterogeneous environments present a wider variety of resources and conditions, allowing species to coexist through niche differentiation. This study shows that the diversity of Chrysomelidae depends on the area and habitat structure of semideciduous forest remnants. We sampled 16 remnants with Malaise traps in August 2012 to March 2013. In order to characterize the habitat, the area, structural heterogeneity of the understory, coverage and canopy height were measured. These variables were used in a path analysis to determine their direct and indirect effects on leaf beetle diversity. A total of 450 specimens from 99 species and five subfamilies were captured. The total area and the understory heterogeneity presented a positive effect on species richness, while canopy cover exerted a negative one. The canopy height only had a negative and indirect effect on leaf beetle richness. In such fragments with more area and more open spaces, plant abundance and richness tend to be higher and favor the coexistence of many Chrysomelidae species.

RESUMO A área de uma mancha de habitat pode aumentar a riqueza local de espécies tanto diretamente (pelo balanço entre imigração e extinção) quanto indiretamente (por aumentar a heterogeneidade do habitat e/ou como efeito do esforço amostral). Ambientes mais heterogêneos apresentam maior variedade de recursos e condições permitindo a coexistência de espécies por diferenciação de nicho. Neste estudo mostramos que a riqueza de Chrysomelidae depende da área e da estrutura do habitat em remanescentes de floresta semidecidual. Realizamos amostragens com armadilhas Malaise em 16 remanescentes florestais entre agosto de 2012 e março de 2013. Para caracterizar o habitat, medimos a área, a heterogeneidade estrutural do sub-bosque, a cobertura e a altura do dossel. Estas variáveis foram utilizadas em uma análise de caminhos para determinar seus efeitos diretos e indiretos na riqueza de crisomelídeos. Capturamos 450 espécimes de 99 espécies e cinco subfamílias. A área total e a heterogeneidade do sub-bosque apresentaram um efeito positivo sobre a riqueza de espécies, enquanto a cobertura do dossel exerceu efeito direto negativo. A altura do dossel apresentou apenas efeito indireto e negativo sobre a riqueza de crisomelídeos. Em fragmentos com maior área e mais espaços abertos, provavelmente a abundância e a riqueza de plantas tendem a serem maiores, favorecendo a coexistência de muitas espécies de Chrysomelidae.

Andersonoplatus, a new, remarkable leaf litter inhabiting genus of Monoplatina (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini).

Andersonoplatus, a new genus with 16 new species from Venezuela (A. andersoni, A. bechyneorum, A. castaneus, A. flavus, A. jolyi, A. laculata, A. lagunanegra, A. macubaji, A. merga, A. merida, A. microoculus, A. peck, A. rosalesi, A. sanare, A. saviniae) and Panama (A. baru), is described and illustrated. All the specimens were collected in leaf litter by R. Anderson and S. and J. Peck. Andersonoplatus is compared to Andersonaltica Linzmeier & Konstantinov, Apleuraltica Bechyne, Distigmoptera Blake and Ulrica Scherer.

On the taxonomy of the Brazilian flea beetle genus Miritius Bechyné & Bechyné (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini: Monoplatina) with description of two new species.

A taxonomic study was performed on the Brazilian genus Miritius Bechyné & Bechyné of Monoplatina, Alticini. Here Miritius and two of its species are redescribed and descriptions for another two new species were provided: Miritius abdominalis Morais & Linzmeier sp. nov. (Mato Grosso, Brazil) and Miritius claudius Morais & Linzmeier sp. nov. (Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). For the first time characters of the male and female genitalia, illustrations and a key to the Miritius species are presented.

Body size of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera, Insecta) in areas with different levels of conservation in South Brazil.

Body size is correlated with many species traits such as morphology, physiology, life history and abundance as well; it is one of the most discussed topics in macroecological studies. The aim of this paper was to analyze the body size distribution of Chrysomelidae, caught with Malaise traps during two years in four areas with different levels of conservation in the Araucaria Forest, Paraná, Brazil, determining if body size is a good predictor of abundance, and if body size could be used to indicate environmental quality. Body size was considered the total length of the specimen from the anterior region of head to the apex of abdomen/elytron. Measurements were taken for up to ten specimens of each species for each area and for all specimens of those species represented by fewer than ten individuals. The highest abundance and richness of Chrysomelidae were obtained in the lowest body size classes. This herbivorous group showed a trend toward a decrease in body size with increasing abundance, but body size was not a good predictor of its abundance. There was a trend toward a decrease in body size from the less to the most conserved areas; however, the definition of a pattern in successional areas not seems to be entirely clear.